Story

This rich, full-bodied espresso opens with caramelized sugar notes reminiscent of creme brulee. Layers of dried fig sweetness are balanced by a smooth marzipan body, creating a decadent, structured cup that shines both on its own and as the foundation for milk-based espresso drinks.

Monte Alto is a beautiful 500-hectare farm located near the Guaxupé city in Sul de Minas. Fazenda Monte Alto was established in 1889, having been passed down for 9 generations in the Ribeiro do Valle family. 50% of the farm is used for growing coffee while the other half is dedicated to preserving native forests. They employ 45 employees year-round (30 families live on the property) who tend to the farm and historic house and hire another 30 pickers during the busy harvest season. The farm produces Pulp Natural and Natural processed coffees on raised beds and patios. The farm is rather hilly, so 70% of the cherries are harvested by hand and 30% are picked mechanically. On our visit, the daughter, Julia Valle, gave us a tour of the mechanical harvester and dry mill. She also showed us the wildlife corridor for birds, migratory animals, waterfalls, and a greenhouse for native plants and flowers. Julia contributes coffee to the Donas do Cafe project, an association of Women Coffee producers organzied by our import partner SMC Specialty Coffee. She is actively on the farm paving the way for the next generation of the family. In addition, we visited a 100-year-old Bourbon coffee tree and a 400-year-old Pink Jequitiba tree standing 40 meters tall. They have done extensive sustainability measures on the farm from reducing water to installing solar panels and composting. In 2020, Monte Alto placed 3rd in the Cup of Excellence showcasing their dedication to producing coffees of exceptional quality.